Mazatlan Beach Vacations Popular Again

When I was a kid, I remember watching game shows like Let’s Make a Deal and The Price is Right on TV where the grand prize was a trip to “Fabulous Mazatlan!” Yes, Mazatlan has always been a popular tourist destination for North Americans. Yet, in recent years, this Mexico beach destination fell on hard times. It was overshadowed by the exponential growth of Puerto Vallarta along with the Mexican government’s investments in Cancun, Cabo and Ixtapa. Without investment there was little excitement and energy. Mazatlan failed to attract new hotels and let its tourism infrastructure decay. When negative news of drug violence and cartel activity became public, it accelerated the tourism decline to a low point when the major cruise lines took Mazatlan off their itineraries. This was an ultimate low.

Yet, Mazatlan has taken the challenge to improve. They have initiated numerous steps to clean up the city and attract new investment in tourism infrastructure. From installing an extensive network of crime surveillance cameras to massive road improvement projects with many of the main streets resurfaced and landscaped. There is a now a freeway from MZT airport to the hotel zone with a large landscaped island and boulevards.

Many of the hotels have been updated and refurbished. The 5-star deluxe Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Hotel is a fantastic property with a super cool beach-front pool area. The trend toward families will accelerate with all the family-suite accommodations such as the El-Cid Marina Marina Beach Condo/Hotel, Luna Palace, Las Flores and Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan.

Cruise lines are now putting Mazatlan back on their cruise ports of call list. The Holland America Veendam will call on Mazatlan in November. NCL’s Norwegian Star will make five calls on Mazatlan December 22 & 29 and March 2, 9 & 16, 2014. The deluxe cruise line Azamara’s Quest will make a visit on a New Years Mexico Cruise December 29.

The thing that really makes Mazatlan such a popular destination are the great activities. Horseback riding right on the beach, zip-line and deep sea fishing experiences, Blue Agave Tequila distillery tours and tasting, Deer Island for swimming and snorkeling and last but not least strolling the world famous ocean front Mazatlan Malecon.

Have you been to Mazatlan recently? If not, Mazatlan is worthy of consideration for your next Mexico Beach Vacation.